Toilet System

Abstract

To provide a toilet system capable of providing a plurality of health indicators of a user, and partially outputting a part of the plurality of health indicators depending on a seated time period of the user.SOLUTION: The toilet system comprises: a toilet seat; a sensor that measures a physical quantity that reflects blood flow information of a user; a health index calculation part that calculates a plurality of health indicators of the user based on a measurement result of the sensor; a health index output part that outputs the plurality of calculated health indexes; a timer that measures a seated time period; and a control part that controls an output mode of the health index output part based on a measurement result of the timer. If the seated time period is equal to or longer than a first required time but has not reached a second required time, a first health index is output and the output of a second health index is stopped. If the seated time period is equal to or longer than the second required time, both the first health index and the second health index are output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet system that can provide a health indicator for a user. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that measures blood flow information of a toilet user who is seated on a toilet seat, and calculates and outputs a health index based on the measurement results (for example, displays it on a display terminal). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-68396 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As mentioned above, a number of health indicators of a toilet user who is seated on the toilet seat can be calculated (determined, diagnosed) from the state of blood flow of the user.

[0005] For example, a laser sensor that can measure the state of blood flow in the skin on the back of the user's thigh based on dynamic light scattering can be attached to the toilet seat, and by performing a Fourier transform or the like on the output signal of the laser sensor, multiple health indicators such as pulse wave, blood flow rate, and heart rate can be calculated.

[0006] Here, the amount of output signal from the laser sensor required to calculate a health index with a certain degree of accuracy (reliability), that is, the measurement time by the laser sensor, differs for each health index.

[0007] For example, a calculated value for "heart rate" can be obtained with a certain degree of accuracy (reliability) from an output waveform signal corresponding to 10 seconds (measurement time). On the other hand, to obtain calculated values ​​for "vascular age" or "stress state" with a certain degree of accuracy (reliability), it is necessary to use an output waveform signal corresponding to 60 seconds (measurement time).

[0008] Conventionally, output was only possible after all calculated values ​​for the health indicators desired by the user were available. For this reason, if "vascular age" or "stress state (calmness level)" was desired, the user had to sit for 60 seconds, and no health indicators were output if the user sat for less than that. However, if no health indicators were output in this way, it was difficult to distinguish this from a possible malfunction of the toilet system.

[0009] The inventor of the present invention has come to realize that in such a case, if the user desires to output a health indicator such as "heart rate" that can be calculated with a seated time of 10 seconds, it would be more convenient for the user to output only the health indicator such as "heart rate".

[0010] Specifically, if two health indices, "stress state" and "heart rate," are desired (selected), and the user remains seated for less than 60 seconds to urinate, conventional toilet systems will not output either health index, but if only the calculated value for "heart rate" is output, this can be useful to the user. It can also relieve the user of concerns about possible malfunction of the toilet system.

[0011] The present invention was devised based on the above findings, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toilet system that can provide multiple health indicators of a user and can output some of the multiple health indicators depending on the user's sitting time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] One aspect of the present invention comprises a toilet seat having a seating surface on which a user sits; a sensor provided on the toilet seat for measuring physical quantities reflecting blood flow information of the user; a health index calculation unit for calculating a plurality of health indexes of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor; a health index output unit for outputting the plurality of health indexes of the user calculated by the health index calculation unit; a timer for measuring the sitting time of the user sitting on the seating surface; and a control unit for controlling the output mode of the health index output unit based on the measurement result of the timer, wherein the plurality of health indexes include a first health index and a second health index, and the health index calculation unit is configured to calculate the first health index using a first required time while the user is seated on the seating surface, and to calculate the second health index using a second required time while the user is seated on the seating surface that is longer than the first required time, The control unit is configured to, based on the measurement result of the timer, (1) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not reached the second required time, cause the health index output unit to output the calculated first health index, while changing the output mode of the second health index to a different mode from that of the first health index (for example, 1: do not display the calculation result, 2: display the calculation result from the previous sitting time (= do not update), 3: display a representative value to date (for example, a newly updated average value for a specific period), 4: display the value measured this time (a fluctuating value before being confirmed), 5: display a "message" such as "measurement in progress" (including displaying an error message), etc.), and (2) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time, cause the health index output unit to output both the calculated first health index and the calculated second health index.

[0013] According to this aspect of the present invention, when the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not yet reached the second required time, the first health index, which was not output in conventional systems, is partially output, which can be useful for the user and can also relieve the user from concerns about possible malfunction of the toilet system.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that, based on the measurement result of the timer, if the sitting time has not reached the first required time, the control unit causes the health index output unit to change the output mode for both the first health index and the second health index to a mode different from the output mode for the first health index and the second health index when the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time.

[0015] According to this, if the sitting time has not reached the first required time, the output of the health index that is likely to have been calculated incorrectly is stopped, or error information indicating this is output together with (or instead of) the output of the health index that is likely to have been calculated incorrectly, thereby effectively preventing a health index that is likely to not accurately reflect the user's actual health condition from being output as accurately reflecting it. This effectively prevents unnecessary confusion and upset for users who, for example, use the health index obtained by the toilet system to manage their health on a daily basis.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is a toilet seat having a seating surface on which a user sits, a sensor provided on the toilet seat for measuring physical quantities reflecting blood flow information of the user, a health index calculation unit for calculating a plurality of health indexes of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor, a health index output unit for outputting the plurality of health indexes of the user calculated by the health index calculation unit, a timer for measuring a sitting time for the user sitting on the seating surface, and a control unit for controlling an output mode of the health index output unit based on the measurement result of the timer, wherein the plurality of health indexes include a first health index and a second health index, and the health index calculation unit is configured to calculate a first calculated value of the first health index over a first required time while the user is seated on the seating surface, and and (2) when the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time, the control unit controls the health index output unit to output the calculated first calculated value of the first health index, while changing the output mode of the second health index to a different mode from that of the first health index, based on the measurement result of the timer.

[0017] According to this aspect of the present invention, when the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not yet reached the second required time, the first health index, which was not output in conventional systems, is partially output, which can be useful to the user and also relieves concerns about possible toilet system malfunction.Furthermore, according to this aspect of the present invention, when the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time, the second calculated value, which can be calculated more accurately by applying a longer required time, is output for the first health index instead of the first calculated value, which is more useful for users who, for example, use the health index obtained by the toilet system to manage their health on a daily basis.

[0018] In this aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that, based on the measurement result of the timer, if the sitting time has not reached the first required time, the control unit causes the health index output unit to change the output mode for both the first health index and the second health index to a mode different from that for the first health index and the second health index when the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time.

[0019] According to this, if the sitting time has not reached the first required time, the output of the health index that is likely to have been calculated incorrectly is stopped, or error information indicating this is output together with (or instead of) the output of the health index that is likely to have been calculated incorrectly, thereby effectively preventing a health index that is likely to not accurately reflect the user's actual health condition from being output as accurately reflecting it. This effectively prevents unnecessary confusion and upset for users who, for example, use the health index obtained by the toilet system to manage their health on a daily basis.

[0020] In addition, it is preferable that, among the plurality of health indices, the second health indices are included more frequently than the first health indices.

[0021] When a device is equipped with more second health indicators that require more data points to calculate a health indicator from blood flow information than the first health indicator, it is possible to present the results of at least the first health indicator if the sitting time is short. Therefore, even if the number of health indicators that can be equipped is limited, it is possible to employ more second health indicators that require more data points.

[0022] The present invention is also protected by the present application in the category of methods.

[0023] That is, a method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for providing a health index using a toilet system including a toilet seat having a seating surface on which a user sits, a sensor provided on the toilet seat for measuring a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user, and a timer for measuring the sitting time of the user sitting on the seating surface, the method comprising: a health index calculation step of calculating a plurality of health indexes of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor; and a health index output step of outputting the plurality of health indexes of the user calculated by the health index calculation step in accordance with an output mode based on the measurement results of the timer, the plurality of health indexes including a first health index and a second health index, and in the health index calculation step, a first required health index is calculated by calculating a first required health index of the user while the user is sitting on the seating surface. The method is characterized in that the first health index is calculated over a certain period of time, and the second health index is calculated over a second required time longer than the first required time while the user is seated on the seating surface, and in the health index output process, based on the measurement results of the timer, (1) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not reached the second required time, the calculated first health index is output, while the output mode of the second health index is changed to a different mode from that of the first health index, and (2) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time, both the calculated first health index and the calculated second health index are output.

[0024] Alternatively, a method according to another aspect of the present invention is a method for providing a health index using a toilet system including a toilet seat having a seating surface on which a user sits, a sensor provided on the toilet seat for measuring a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user, and a timer for measuring the sitting time of the user sitting on the seating surface, the method comprising: a health index calculation step of calculating a plurality of health indexes of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor; and a health index output step of outputting the plurality of health indexes of the user calculated by the health index calculation step in accordance with an output mode based on the measurement results of the timer, the plurality of health indexes including a first health index and a second health index, and in the health index calculation step, a first calculated value of the first health index is calculated over a first required time while the user is seated on the seating surface, and The second health index is calculated using a second required time, which is longer than the first required time, while the user is seated on the seating surface; and a second calculated value of the first health index is calculated at a predetermined timing after the first required time has elapsed while the user is seated on the seating surface. The health index output step is characterized in that, based on the measurement results of the timer, (1) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not yet reached the second required time, the calculated first calculated value of the first health index is output, while the output mode of the second health index is changed to a different mode from that of the first health index; and (2) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time, the calculated second calculated value of the first health index and the calculated second health index are output.

[0025] The present invention is also protected by this application in the category of programs.

[0026] That is, a program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for providing a health index using a toilet system including a toilet seat having a seating surface on which a user sits, a sensor provided on the toilet seat for measuring a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user, and a timer for measuring the sitting time of the user on the seating surface, the program being executed by a computer to carry out a health index calculation step of calculating a plurality of health indexes of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor, and a health index output step of outputting the plurality of health indexes of the user calculated by the health index calculation step in accordance with an output mode based on the measurement results of the timer, the plurality of health indexes including a first health index and a second health index, and the health index calculation step The program is characterized in that the first health index is calculated while the user is seated on the seating surface for a first required time, and the second health index is calculated while the user is seated on the seating surface for a second required time that is longer than the first required time, and in the health index output process, based on the measurement results of the timer, (1) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not reached the second required time, the calculated first health index is output, while the output mode of the second health index is changed to a different mode from that of the first health index, and (2) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time, both the calculated first health index and the calculated second health index are output.

[0027] Alternatively, another aspect of the present invention provides a program for providing a health index using a toilet system including a toilet seat having a seating surface on which a user sits, a sensor provided on the toilet seat for measuring a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user, and a timer for measuring the sitting time of the user on the seating surface, the program being executed by a computer to carry out a health index calculation step of calculating a plurality of health indexes of the user based on measurement results of the sensor, and a health index output step of outputting the plurality of health indexes of the user calculated in the health index calculation step in accordance with an output mode based on the measurement result of the timer, the plurality of health indexes including a first health index and a second health index, and the health index calculation step calculates a first calculated value of the first health index over a first required time while the user is seated on the seating surface. and the second health index is calculated using a second required time that is longer than the first required time while the user is seated on the seating surface, and further, a second calculated value of the first health index is calculated at a predetermined timing after the first required time has elapsed while the user is seated on the seating surface, and in the health index output process, based on the measurement results of the timer, (1) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not yet reached the second required time, the calculated first calculated value of the first health index is output, while the output mode of the second health index is changed to a different output mode from that of the first health index, and (2) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time, the calculated second calculated value of the first health index and the calculated second health index are output. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not yet reached the second required time, the first health index, which was not output in conventional systems, is partially output, which can be useful for the user and can also relieve concerns about possible malfunction of the toilet system.

[0029] Alternatively, according to another aspect of the present invention, when the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not yet reached the second required time, a first health index that was not output in conventional systems is partially output, which can be useful to the user and also relieves concerns about possible toilet system malfunction. Furthermore, according to this aspect of the present invention, when the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time, a second calculated value that can be calculated more accurately by applying a longer required time is output for the first health index instead of the first calculated value, which is more useful for users who, for example, use the health index obtained by the toilet system to manage their health on a daily basis. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a toilet system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the toilet seat of the toilet system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the main parts of the toilet system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a laser sensor in the toilet system of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic diagram showing a process for calculating various health indicators based on the measurement results of the laser sensor in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the toilet system of FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the toilet system of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] (composition) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a toilet system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a toilet seat 20 of the toilet system 10 of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the main parts of the toilet system 10 of Fig. 1.

[0032] 1 to 3, the toilet system 10 of this embodiment comprises a toilet seat 20, a main body 12, and a toilet lid 14. The toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 14 are each pivotally supported relative to the main body 12.

[0033] The toilet seat 20 is provided with a laser sensor 40 as a sensor for measuring physical quantities that reflect the user's blood flow information, and an electrostatic sensor 50 as a seating sensor. The toilet seat 20 is also provided with a health index calculation unit 60 (specifically, a microprocessor, for example) that calculates the user's health index based on the measurement results of the laser sensor 40.

[0034] The toilet seat 20 has an opening 20a. In this embodiment, the O-shaped opening 20a is formed in the center of the toilet seat 20. The opening of the toilet seat 20 is not limited to an O-shape and may be a U-shape or the like. The outer edge of the toilet seat 20 is curved to fit the outer shape of the toilet bowl 4. The toilet seat 20 is generally made of an opaque resin material (e.g., polypropylene), and has a seating surface 21 on which a user sits, and a bottom surface 25 on the opposite side of the seating surface 21.

[0035] The seating surface 21 is the surface that faces upward when the toilet seat 20 is placed on the upper surface 4b of the toilet bowl 4, and is the surface on which the user sits. The bottom surface 25 is the surface that faces the upper surface 4b of the toilet bowl 4 when the toilet seat 20 is lowered. The toilet seat 20 is also made up of a thick portion 22 that is formed thick over almost the entirety, and a thin portion 23 that is thinner than the thick portion 22 is formed locally at a position corresponding to the laser sensor 40.

[0036] 2, a heater wire 30 (an example of a heater) for heating or keeping warm the seating surface 21, and a heat insulating material 32 are provided inside the toilet seat 20. The heater wire 30 is controlled by a toilet seat heating unit 12b provided inside the main body 12, and is laid throughout the interior of the toilet seat 20 so as not to interfere with the laser sensor 40, the electrostatic sensor 50, and the health index calculation unit 60. The heat insulating material 32 is disposed below the heater wire 30, the laser sensor 40, the electrostatic sensor 50, and the health index calculation unit 60.

[0037] The thin portion 23 has a thickness that allows the light emitted from the laser sensor 40 and the light reflected from a user seated on the seating surface 21 to pass through. The thickness of the thin portion 23 is set based on the intensity of the light emitted and the reflected light from the laser sensor 40, the durability of the toilet seat 20, and the like, and is, for example, about 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0038] In this specification, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left side," and "right side" refer to the directions seen by a user sitting on the toilet seat 20 with their back to the open toilet lid 14.

[0039] 2, the thin-walled portion 23 is formed on the left side and forward of the center of the front-to-rear length of the opening 20a of the toilet seat 20, and is positioned forward and left of the center of gravity of a user seated on the toilet seat 20. As a result, the thin-walled portion 23 faces (comes into contact with) the back of the left thigh of a user seated on the toilet seat 20.

[0040] The thin-walled portion 23 is formed as small as possible within the range where the laser sensor 40 can detect blood flow information of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20, and is, for example, circular with a diameter of 12 mm or less (preferably 8 mm or less).

[0041] Laser sensor 40 is disposed inside toilet seat 20 on the rear side of thin portion 23. Laser sensor 40 is a reflective sensor that irradiates infrared light toward the rear side of the user's left thigh and detects reflected light (scattered light that has undergone a Doppler shift due to red blood cells) that is reflected in accordance with the state of blood flow in the blood vessels under the skin. Figure 4 is a diagram that shows a schematic configuration of laser sensor 40.

[0042] 1 and 2, the electrostatic sensor 50 is formed on the right side and forward of the center of the front-to-rear length of the opening 20a of the toilet seat 20, and is positioned forward and right of the center of gravity of a user seated on the toilet seat 20. This allows the electrostatic sensor 50 to detect the seated state when it faces (contacts) the back of the right thigh of a user seated on the toilet seat 20.

[0043] In this embodiment, health index calculation unit 60 is located near the front end of toilet seat 20 (relatively close to laser sensor 40), and processes the output signal of laser sensor 40 to convert it into a signal that is relatively resistant to noise. Specifically, health index calculation unit 60 calculates health indexes (specifically, for example, pulse rate, pulse variability, blood flow, etc.) of the user sitting on toilet seat 20 based on the measurement results of laser sensor 40, and transmits signals corresponding to the calculation results to communication unit 75 via control unit 70. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the process of calculating various health indexes based on the measurement results of laser sensor 40.

[0044] Control unit 70 and communication unit 75 are provided within main body 12. Health index calculation unit 60 may also be provided within main body 12 instead of within toilet seat 20. When health index calculation unit 60 is provided within main body 12, it may be provided separately from control unit 70, or may be provided as an integrated part of control unit 70.

[0045] Furthermore, the health index calculation unit 60 and the control unit 70 may be provided (constructed) not within the main body unit 12, but within an external device or an external network (e.g., within the cloud) that communicates via the communication unit 75.

[0046] Returning to FIG. 1, the main body 12 is located behind the bowl of the toilet 4 and is attached to the top surface 4b of the toilet 4. Inside the main body 12 are built-in units: an opening / closing unit 12a that controls the opening and closing of the toilet seat 20 and toilet lid 14; a toilet seat heating unit 12b that controls the temperature of the toilet seat 20; a cleaning unit 12c that cleans the human private parts; and a deodorizing unit 12d that reduces odorous components. Each of the units 12a to 12d is controlled collectively by a control unit 70. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 is also connected to the electrostatic sensor 50.

[0047] Control unit 70 of the present embodiment is connected to communication unit 75 (an example of a health index output unit) for outputting the user's health index calculated by health index calculation unit 60. Communication unit 75 transmits the calculated health index of the user to, for example, a remote control 80 in the toilet room or the user's mobile terminal 85. The user sitting on toilet seat 20 can check various health indexes (vital signs such as pulse rate, etc.) on display unit 80a of remote control 80 or display unit 85a of mobile terminal 85.

[0048] The toilet system 10 of this embodiment also has a timer 95 that measures the duration of the user's seated state in conjunction with the electrostatic sensor 50 (an example of a seating sensor). The timer 95 is also connected to the control unit 70.

[0049] As described above, the amount of output signal from the laser sensor 40 required to calculate a health index with a certain degree of accuracy (reliability), i.e., the measurement time by the laser sensor 40, differs for each health index.

[0050] In this embodiment, for the "heart rate" (an example of a first health index), a first calculated value with a certain degree of accuracy (reliability) is obtained from an output waveform signal corresponding to 10 seconds (measurement time) (an example of the first required time - the required calculation time (e.g., 1 second)). On the other hand, for the "stress state" (an example of a second health index), a calculated value with a certain degree of accuracy (reliability) is obtained from an output waveform signal corresponding to 60 seconds (measurement time) (an example of the second required time - the required calculation time).

[0051] Other examples of second health indicators include "vascular age," "metabolic level," "circulatory status," "internal clock," "fitness level," and "internal water level."

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second health index is installed more frequently than the first health index. Even if the second health index, which requires more data points to calculate the health index from blood flow information, is installed more frequently than the first health index, it is possible to present the results of at least the first health index if the sitting time is short. Therefore, even if the number of health indexes that can be installed is limited, it is possible to install more second health indexes that require more data points.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the purpose of operation example 2 described later, a second calculated value with higher accuracy (reliability) is obtained for the "heart rate" from an output waveform signal corresponding to 60 seconds (measurement time) (an example of the second required time - calculation required time).

[0054] In this embodiment, the control unit 70 serves as a seating determination unit and determines whether or not the user is sitting on the seating surface 21 based on the measurement results of the electrostatic sensor 50.Furthermore, the control unit 70 serves as a seating time determination unit and determines whether or not the seating time (the time elapsed since the user sat on the seating surface 21) has reached 11 seconds (an example of the first required time) or more, and whether or not the seating time has reached 61 seconds (an example of the second required time) or more, based on the measurement results of the timer 95.

[0055] Then, based on the determination result, the control unit 70 (0) If the sitting time has not reached 11 seconds (an example of the first required time), the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) is caused to stop outputting both the “heart rate” (an example of the first health index) and the “stress state” (an example of the second health index), (1) When the sitting time is 11 seconds or more (an example of the first required time) but has not reached 61 seconds (an example of the second required time), the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) is caused to output the first calculated value of the calculated “heart rate” while stopping output of the “stress state.” (2) If the sitting time is 61 seconds or longer (an example of the second required time), the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) is configured to output both the calculated “heart rate” (the first calculated value in the first operation example described below, and the second calculated value in the second operation example described below) and the calculated “stress state.”

[0056] In this embodiment, if the sitting time does not exceed a predetermined required time, control is performed to stop the output, but it is sufficient that a health index based on blood flow information acquired when the required time is not exceeded is not output; for example, the output of a health index calculated from blood flow information measured the last time the user sat on the seating surface 21 may continue.

[0057] (First operation example: Action) A first operation example of the toilet system 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Referring to Fig. 6, the control unit 70 first determines whether or not a user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (STEP 11). If it is determined that the user is not yet sitting on the seating surface 21 (NO in STEP 11), the determination process is repeated.

[0058] If it is determined that the user is sitting on seating surface 21 (YES in STEP 11), timer 95 starts measuring the sitting time (STEP 12). In parallel, health index calculation unit 60 starts the process of calculating the user's health index based on the measurement results of laser sensor 40 (in this example, it takes 11 seconds (an example of the first required time) to calculate the "heart rate," and 61 seconds (an example of the second required time) to calculate the "stress state").

[0059] The control unit 70 then determines whether the seated time is equal to or longer than 11 seconds (an example of the first required time) (STEP 13).

[0060] If the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (YES in STEP 14) before the sitting time reaches 11 seconds or more (NO in STEP 13), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to stop outputting both the "heart rate" (an example of the first health index) and the "stress state" (an example of the second health index) (STEP 15).

[0061] After the seated time has reached 11 seconds or more (YES in STEP 13), the control unit 70 subsequently determines whether the seated time has reached 61 seconds (an example of the second required time) or more (STEP 16).

[0062] Before the seating time reaches 61 seconds or more (NO in STEP 16) and the electrostatic sensor 50 does not detect the user leaving the seat (NO in STEP 17), the process waits for the elapsed time to reach 61 seconds or more (return to STEP 16).

[0063] If the sitting time has not yet reached 61 seconds or more (NO in STEP 16) and the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (YES in STEP 17), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to output the calculated "heart rate" (first calculated value), while stopping output of the "stress state" (STEP 18).

[0064] If the sitting time is 61 seconds or longer (YES in STEP 16), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to output the calculated "heart rate" (first calculated value) and the calculated "stress state" (STEP 19).

[0065] (First example: effect) According to the first operation example described above, when the sitting time is 11 seconds or more but does not reach 61 seconds, the calculated value of the "heart rate" that was not output in conventional systems is partially output, which can be useful for the user and can also relieve concerns about possible malfunction of the toilet system 10.

[0066] On the other hand, if the sitting time has not reached 11 seconds, output of both "heart rate" and "stress state" is stopped, effectively preventing health indicators that are likely to not accurately reflect the user's actual health state from being output as accurately reflecting the user's health condition. This effectively prevents unnecessary confusion and upset for users who, for example, use health indicators obtained by the toilet system to manage their health on a daily basis.

[0067] (First Operation Example: Modified Example) In the first operation example described above, if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (YES in STEP 14) before the sitting time reaches 11 seconds or more (NO in STEP 13), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to stop outputting both the ``heart rate'' (an example of the first health index) and the ``stress state'' (an example of the second health index) (STEP 15).However, instead of this, the control unit 70 may cause the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to output error information for both the ``heart rate'' (an example of the first health index) and the ``stress state'' (an example of the second health index).

[0068] The error information may be output in conjunction with the output of the "heart rate" and "stress state" (which are likely to be calculated incorrectly), or may be output instead of the output of the "heart rate" and "stress state."

[0069] Similarly, in the first operation example described above, if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left their seat (YES in STEP 17) before the sitting time reaches 61 seconds or more (NO in STEP 16), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to output the calculated "heart rate" (first calculated value) while stopping output of the "stress state" (STEP 18). Alternatively, the control unit 70 may cause the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to output the calculated "heart rate" (first calculated value) while outputting error information for the "stress state".

[0070] The error information may be output together with the output of the "stress state" (which is likely to be calculated incorrectly), or may be output instead of the output of the "stress state."

[0071] (Second example of operation: action) A second operation example of the toilet system 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Referring to Fig. 7, the control unit 70 first determines whether or not a user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (STEP 21). If it is determined that the user is not yet sitting on the seating surface 21 (NO in STEP 21), the determination process is repeated.

[0072] If it is determined that the user is sitting on seating surface 21 (YES in STEP 21), timer 95 starts measuring the sitting time (STEP 22). In parallel, health index calculation unit 60 starts a process of calculating the user's health index based on the measurement results of laser sensor 40 (in this example, it takes 11 seconds (an example of the first required time) to calculate the first calculated value of "heart rate", and it takes 61 seconds (an example of the second required time) to calculate the "stress state" and the second calculated value of "heart rate").

[0073] The control unit 70 then determines whether the seated time is equal to or longer than 11 seconds (an example of the first required time) (STEP 23).

[0074] If the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (YES in STEP 24) before the sitting time reaches 11 seconds or more (NO in STEP 23), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to stop outputting both the "heart rate" (an example of the first health index) and the "stress state" (an example of the second health index) (STEP 25).

[0075] After the seated time has reached 11 seconds or more (YES in STEP 23), the control unit 70 subsequently determines whether the seated time has reached 61 seconds (an example of the second required time) or more (STEP 26).

[0076] Before the seating time reaches 61 seconds or more (NO in STEP 26) and the electrostatic sensor 50 does not detect the user leaving the seat (NO in STEP 27), the process waits for the elapsed time to reach 61 seconds or more (return to STEP 26).

[0077] If the sitting time has not yet reached 61 seconds or more (NO in STEP 26) and the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (YES in STEP 27), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to output the first calculated value of the calculated "heart rate" while stopping output of the "stress state" (STEP 28).

[0078] If the sitting time is 61 seconds or more (YES in STEP 26), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to output the second calculated value of the "heart rate" and the calculated "stress state" (STEP 29). That is, for the "heart rate," the second calculated value calculated from the measurement data for 60 seconds (measurement data taken over a longer period of time) is output, instead of the first calculated value calculated from the measurement data for 10 seconds.

[0079] (Second example: effect) According to the second operation example described above, when the sitting time is 11 seconds or more but does not reach 61 seconds, the calculated value of the "heart rate" that was not output in conventional systems is partially output, which can be useful for the user and can also relieve concerns about possible malfunction of the toilet system 10.

[0080] On the other hand, if the sitting time has not reached 11 seconds, output of both "heart rate" and "stress state" is stopped, effectively preventing health indicators that are likely to not accurately reflect the user's actual health state from being output as accurately reflecting the user's health condition. This effectively prevents unnecessary confusion and upset for users who, for example, use health indicators obtained by the toilet system to manage their health on a daily basis.

[0081] Furthermore, if the sitting time is 61 seconds or longer, the second calculated value for "heart rate" calculated with higher accuracy from longer measurement data (60 seconds) is output instead of the first calculated value calculated from measurement data for 10 seconds, which is more useful for users who, for example, manage their health on a daily basis using the health indicators obtained by the toilet system 10.

[0082] (Second Operation Example: Modified Example) In the second operation example described above, if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (YES in STEP 24) before the sitting time reaches 11 seconds or more (NO in STEP 23), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to stop outputting both the ``heart rate'' (an example of the first health index) and the ``stress state'' (an example of the second health index) (STEP 25). Alternatively, the control unit 70 may cause the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to output error information for both the ``heart rate'' (an example of the first health index) and the ``stress state'' (an example of the second health index).

[0083] The error information may be output in conjunction with the output of the "heart rate" and "stress state" (which are likely to be calculated incorrectly), or may be output instead of the output of the "heart rate" and "stress state."

[0084] Similarly, in the second operation example described above, if the sitting time has not yet reached 61 seconds or more (NO in STEP 26) and the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left their seat (YES in STEP 27), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to output the calculated "heart rate" (first calculated value) while stopping output of the "stress state" (STEP 18), but instead the control unit 70 may cause the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to output the calculated "heart rate" (first calculated value) while outputting error information for the "stress state".

[0085] The error information may be output together with the output of the "stress state" (which is likely to be calculated incorrectly), or may be output instead of the output of the "stress state."

[0086] (Additional information about the program) The various functions of health index calculation unit 60, control unit 70, and communication unit 75 can be realized by a microcomputer or the like that executes corresponding programs. The programs and storage media that store the programs are also covered by the present application.

[0087] For example, a program according to the present invention is a program for providing a health index using a toilet system 10 including a toilet seat 20 having a seating surface 21 on which a user sits, a laser sensor 40 provided on the toilet seat 20 for measuring a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user, and a timer 95 for measuring the sitting time of the user on the seating surface 21, and when the program is executed by a computer, it is possible to carry out a health index calculation step of calculating a health index of the user based on the measurement results of the laser sensor 40, and a health index output step of outputting a plurality of health indexes of the user calculated by the health index calculation step in accordance with an output mode based on the measurement results of the timer 95, the plurality of health indexes including a first health index and a second health index, and In the index calculation process, a first health index is calculated using a first required time while the user is seated on seating surface 21, and a second health index is calculated using a second required time longer than the first required time while the user is seated on seating surface 21. In the health index output process, based on the measurement results of timer 95, (1) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not reached the second required time, the calculated first health index is output, while output of the second health index is stopped or error information is output, and (2) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time, both the calculated first health index and the calculated second health index are output.

[0088] Alternatively, the program according to the present invention is a program for providing a health index using a toilet system 10 including a toilet seat 20 having a seating surface 21 on which a user sits, a laser sensor 40 provided on the toilet seat 20 for measuring a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user, and a timer 95 for measuring the sitting time that the user sits on the seating surface 21, and when the program is executed by a computer, it is possible to carry out a health index calculation step of calculating the health index of the user based on the measurement results of the laser sensor 40, and a health index output step of outputting a plurality of health indexes of the user calculated by the health index calculation step in accordance with an output mode based on the measurement results of the timer 95, the plurality of health indexes including a first health index and a second health index, and in the health index calculation step, the first required time is calculated by calculating the health index of the user based on the measurement results of the timer 95, the health index of the user being seated on the seating surface 21. a first health index is calculated based on the measured value of the first required time, a second required time longer than the first required time while the user is seated on seating surface 21, and a second calculated value of the first health index is calculated based on the measured value of the second required time while the user is seated on seating surface 21; and a health index output process is performed based on the measured value of timer 95, where (1) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not reached the second required time, a first calculated value of the calculated first health index is output, while output of the second health index is stopped or error information is output; and (2) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time, both the second calculated value of the calculated first health index and the calculated second health index are output. Grams. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 4 toilets 4b Top side 10 Toilet System 12 Main body 12a Opening and closing unit 12b Toilet seat heating unit 12c Cleaning Unit 12d Deodorizing unit 14 Toilet lid 20 toilet seats 20a opening 21 Seating surface 22 Thick wall part 23 Thin-walled section 25 bottom 30 Heater wire 32 Insulation 40 Laser Sensor 50 Electrostatic Sensor 60 Health Index Calculation Department 70 Control Unit 75 Communications Department 80 Remote Control 80a Display section 85 External terminals (cell phones, etc.) 85a Display section 95 Timer

Claims

1. a toilet seat on which a user sits; a seat sensor provided on the toilet seat for detecting when the user sits down and when the user leaves the seat; a health index calculation unit that calculates at least one health index of the user; a health index output unit that outputs the at least one health index calculated by the health index calculation unit; Equipped with the health index calculation unit calculates the at least one health index based on the detection result of the seating sensor and in accordance with a sitting time from when the user sits on the toilet seat until when the user leaves the seat, The health index output unit is configured not to output the at least one health index when the time from when the user sits on the toilet seat until when the user leaves the seat is shorter than a predetermined time based on the detection result of the seating sensor. A toilet system characterized by:

2. the at least one health indicator includes a first health indicator and a second health indicator; the health index calculation unit calculates the first health index using a first required time while the user is seated on the toilet seat, and calculates the second health index using a second required time while the user is seated on the toilet seat that is longer than the first required time, The health index output unit, based on the detection result of the seating sensor, (1) if the sitting time has not reached the first required time, neither the first health index nor the second health index is output; (2) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not reached the second required time, output the first health index while not outputting the second health index; (3) If the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time, output both the first health index and the second health index. It has become like this.

2. The toilet system of claim 1.

3. a toilet seat on which a user sits; a seat sensor provided on the toilet seat for detecting when the user sits down and when the user leaves the seat; 1. A method for providing a health indicator using a toilet system comprising: a health index calculation step of calculating at least one health index of the user; a health index output step of outputting the at least one health index calculated by the health index calculation step; Equipped with In the health index calculation step, the at least one health index is calculated based on the detection result of the seating sensor and in accordance with a seating time from when the user sits on the toilet seat until when the user leaves the seat, In the health index output step, when the time from when the user sits on the toilet seat until when the user leaves the seat is shorter than a predetermined time based on the detection result of the seat sensor, the at least one health index is not output. A method characterized by:

4. the at least one health indicator includes a first health indicator and a second health indicator; In the health index calculation step, the first health index is calculated using a first required time while the user is seated on the toilet seat, and the second health index is calculated using a second required time while the user is seated on the toilet seat, the second required time being longer than the first required time, In the health index output step, based on the detection result of the seating sensor, (1) if the sitting time has not reached the first required time, neither the first health index nor the second health index is output; (2) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not yet reached the second required time, the first health index is output, but the second health index is not output; (3) If the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time, both the first health index and the second health index are output. It has become like this.

4. The method of claim 3.

5. a toilet seat on which a user sits; a seat sensor provided on the toilet seat for detecting when the user sits down and when the user leaves the seat; A program for providing a health index using a toilet system comprising: When the program is executed by a computer, a health index calculation step of calculating at least one health index of the user; a health index output step of outputting the at least one health index calculated by the health index calculation step; It is possible to carry out In the health index calculation step, the at least one health index is calculated based on the detection result of the seating sensor and in accordance with a seating time from when the user sits on the toilet seat until when the user leaves the seat, In the health index output step, when the time from when the user sits on the toilet seat until when the user leaves the seat is shorter than a predetermined time based on the detection result of the seat sensor, the at least one health index is not output. A program characterized by:

6. the at least one health indicator includes a first health indicator and a second health indicator; In the health index calculation step, the first health index is calculated using a first required time while the user is seated on the toilet seat, and the second health index is calculated using a second required time while the user is seated on the toilet seat, the second required time being longer than the first required time, In the health index output step, based on the detection result of the seating sensor, (1) if the sitting time has not reached the first required time, neither the first health index nor the second health index is output; (2) if the sitting time is equal to or longer than the first required time but has not yet reached the second required time, the first health index is output, but the second health index is not output; (3) If the sitting time is equal to or longer than the second required time, both the first health index and the second health index are output. It has become like this.

6. The program according to claim 5.

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